1 Mother 2 Another

Today’s entry won’t captivate the entire country; I want to share my favorite mommy stuff that’s specific to New York.  Not trying to be exclusionary, it’s simply where I live and what I know.  While researching babyhood, I came across some great places and it’d be a shame if I didn’t pass them on. 

If you’re looking for the hottest spot to shop next to Sara Jessica, this ain’t it.  If you’re looking for things that will really help make your life easier (or even happier!), read on. Note- maternity stores not included.

Urban Baby  My girlfriend Bev introduced me to them when I was pregnant.  You can go to their site and browse their listed stores, but I usually just use their daily emails.  Updates on the new must-have baby gear, ideas for places to take your kids, special family-friendly events, sample sales, you name it, they list it.

The Daily Stroll  Similar to Urban Baby, but more product-based, no things-to-do-around-town part of it.  Great writers, though, and cute website. 

Divalysscious Moms  They organize periodic mom events, such as a private shopping time at Toys R Us, private make-your-own-sundaes time at Dylan’s Candy Bar, and so forth.  Prices are pretty reasonable, and they offer child-inclusive and mommy-only events.

Metropolitan Moms  When you start to consider Baby Einstein high art, it’s time to give this site a look-see.  For a price, they organize tours through the Met, visits to Sotheby’s, and so forth, complete with stroller-friendly places to eat, expert lecturers, and additional baby-sitting staff on hand to help out. 

The Breastchester  An enterprising New Yorker opened this webstore, which sells an incredibly comprehensive selection of nursing clothes and carries Ameda pumps and accessories for sale or rental.  The best part of this business, though, is that they’ll come to your home!  Yes, an expert will visit you if you live in the tri-state area and fit you for bras, show you clothing, demonstrate pumps, etc.  They aren’t lactation consultants; rather, they’re lactation gear consultants.  How cool is that?  Fittings in your own home.

The Upper Breast Side  If a home visit isn’t in the bank book (or if you want an excuse to mingle with other milk factories,) you can travel to this store staffed with expert fitters and a decent selection of bras and nursing tops.  They’ve also got a lot of breastfeeding gear for sale or rental.

Mothers and Menus  If your freezer’s not full of casseroles brought over by helpful neighbors and friends, this site will deliver well-prepared, nutritious and organic food for a day or a month.  Pricey, but it beats Chinese food two weeks in a row.  Also makes a great gift for a family with a new baby.

Bella Zander Co.  An on-line boutique of exclusive and expensive baby gear; this one bears mentioning because of her concierge service.  If you live in the city, tell her what your gift need is (sister-in-law’s third shower, best friend’s baby’s first birthday, etc.) and she’ll pick something great out, hand write a card, wrap it, and have it delivered the same day.  Gotta love New York.

Buy Buy Baby  I know I push this store, but it’s the greatest baby store out there.  All price ranges, a great selection of everything even though the website’s not always up to speed.  Please take advantage of living in the same city as this store!!!  We registered here, and it was easy with no-hassle returns.  If you’re lucky enough to have a car, drive out to the huge one in Long Island . . .

Giggle  A cute baby store in SoHo that kids love to go into.  Great changing areas, choice selection, an atmosphere kids love.

 Those are my favorites.  Let me know if I’ve missed one.